Word for wise person who can see the big picture when others cannot
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Bonus if this word talks about this person using this knowledge to guide others. But word without guidance in meaning can still be used in my sentence as an adjective.
The professor was ——- and used that to guide his students towards the right direction.
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Bonus if this word talks about this person using this knowledge to guide others. But word without guidance in meaning can still be used in my sentence as an adjective.
The professor was ——- and used that to guide his students towards the right direction.
single-word-requests adjectives
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Nothing wrong with "the professor could see the big picture". Also, the "towards" really wants to be an "in".
– RegDwigнt♦
yesterday
1
The words "and used that" somewhat complicate the provision of an answer - some solutions sound a bit awkward with this construction.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
"Wise" is a very good word.
– Dan
10 hours ago
really, in "US Business talk" the exact phrased used is "a big picture person".
– Fattie
8 hours ago
Sagacious would seem the obvious choice.
– Phil Sweet
2 hours ago
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up vote
9
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favorite
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
Bonus if this word talks about this person using this knowledge to guide others. But word without guidance in meaning can still be used in my sentence as an adjective.
The professor was ——- and used that to guide his students towards the right direction.
single-word-requests adjectives
New contributor
Bonus if this word talks about this person using this knowledge to guide others. But word without guidance in meaning can still be used in my sentence as an adjective.
The professor was ——- and used that to guide his students towards the right direction.
single-word-requests adjectives
single-word-requests adjectives
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edited yesterday
sumelic
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asked yesterday
user323639
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Nothing wrong with "the professor could see the big picture". Also, the "towards" really wants to be an "in".
– RegDwigнt♦
yesterday
1
The words "and used that" somewhat complicate the provision of an answer - some solutions sound a bit awkward with this construction.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
"Wise" is a very good word.
– Dan
10 hours ago
really, in "US Business talk" the exact phrased used is "a big picture person".
– Fattie
8 hours ago
Sagacious would seem the obvious choice.
– Phil Sweet
2 hours ago
add a comment |
2
Nothing wrong with "the professor could see the big picture". Also, the "towards" really wants to be an "in".
– RegDwigнt♦
yesterday
1
The words "and used that" somewhat complicate the provision of an answer - some solutions sound a bit awkward with this construction.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
"Wise" is a very good word.
– Dan
10 hours ago
really, in "US Business talk" the exact phrased used is "a big picture person".
– Fattie
8 hours ago
Sagacious would seem the obvious choice.
– Phil Sweet
2 hours ago
2
2
Nothing wrong with "the professor could see the big picture". Also, the "towards" really wants to be an "in".
– RegDwigнt♦
yesterday
Nothing wrong with "the professor could see the big picture". Also, the "towards" really wants to be an "in".
– RegDwigнt♦
yesterday
1
1
The words "and used that" somewhat complicate the provision of an answer - some solutions sound a bit awkward with this construction.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
The words "and used that" somewhat complicate the provision of an answer - some solutions sound a bit awkward with this construction.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
"Wise" is a very good word.
– Dan
10 hours ago
"Wise" is a very good word.
– Dan
10 hours ago
really, in "US Business talk" the exact phrased used is "a big picture person".
– Fattie
8 hours ago
really, in "US Business talk" the exact phrased used is "a big picture person".
– Fattie
8 hours ago
Sagacious would seem the obvious choice.
– Phil Sweet
2 hours ago
Sagacious would seem the obvious choice.
– Phil Sweet
2 hours ago
add a comment |
8 Answers
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The professor was visionary:
with the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. will develop in the future.
(Cambridge Dictionary)
I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
3 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
7
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In British English the word is far-sighted.
far-sighted adjective UK /ˌfɑːˈsaɪ.tɪd/ US /ˌfɑːrˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd/
far-sighted adjective (WISE)
uk having good judgment about what will
be needed in the future and making wise decisions based on this:
Buying those shares was a very far-sighted move - they must be worth
ten times their original value now.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/far-sighted
However I believe that farsighted in American English may have a different meaning.
EDIT
Based on discussion in the comments below and thanks to the link provided by Chappo, I quote Merriam-Webster. However I also note that Timbo would assume hyperopia by default. I defer to native speakers of AmE in their knowledge of their own version of English.
farsighted adjective far·sight·ed | ˈfär-ˌsī-təd Definition of
farsighted 1a : seeing or able to see to a great distance b : having
or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS 2 : affected with
hyperopia
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farsighted
1
Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo2: affected with hyperopia
. I guess this different meaning was meant.
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
1
@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
20 hours ago
|
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5
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You can say that the professor was ‘luminary’ - a shining light that inspired or guided others, or illuminated their path.
Definition: ‘a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.
"one of the luminaries of child psychiatry"
synonyms: leading light, guiding light, inspiration, role model, hero, heroine, leader, expert, master; More’
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4
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You can say the professor was far-seeing:
Having shrewd judgement and an ability to predict and plan for future eventualities.
This word is quite simple and yet has a connotation of acumen and shrewdness.
New contributor
4
Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
23 hours ago
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up vote
3
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I went with:
Sage:
Wise, especially as a result of great experience.
Which can be used as noun or adjective.
"The professor was sage, and used that attribute to guide his students towards the right direction."
Alternatively:
"The professor was a sage, and guided his students in the right direction."
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Lofty, or Sublime. Expansive is close, with a strongly benevolent meaning. Something along those lines, lot's on this page here... --> https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/thesaurus/lofty
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I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
18 hours ago
He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
15 hours ago
Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
14 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
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To approximate the ability to see the big picture in a single word, we can perhaps use clear-sighted.
The professor was clear-sighted and used that to guide his
students towards the right direction.
ODO:
clear-sighted ADJECTIVE
Thinking clearly and sensibly; perspicacious and discerning.
‘a clear-sighted sense of what is possible and appropriate’
‘What is needed is a clear-sighted reappraisal of where we stand,
before we can plot a path forwards.’
perspicacious ADJECTIVE
Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.
‘If only our parents could have been perspicacious enough to see our
talent and force us into showbiz.’
discerning ADJECTIVE
Having or showing good judgement.
‘Physicians are by inclination and training discerning men, wise in
human relations and keen in judgement.’
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"See the big picture" is itself a little ambiguous.
If you're thinking of seeing how all the parts fit together at a given point in time, consider astute, perceptive, observant, or insightful:
astute (adj.) having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly
perceptive (adj.) characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight
observant (adj.) Keep, perceptive
insightful (adj.) exhibiting or characterized by the power or act of seeing into a situation
However, the student-teacher example makes me thing that you may be looking for an adjective that means the teacher can see how a situation may play out over time.
In that case, consider perspicacious, far-sighted, or even plain-old wise:
perspicacious (adj.) of acute mental vision or discernment
far-sighted (adj.) having or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS
wise (adj.) characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.
(All definitions are from Merriam-Webster online: https://www.merriam-webster.com/)
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8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
13
down vote
The professor was visionary:
with the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. will develop in the future.
(Cambridge Dictionary)
I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
3 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
13
down vote
The professor was visionary:
with the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. will develop in the future.
(Cambridge Dictionary)
I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
3 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
13
down vote
up vote
13
down vote
The professor was visionary:
with the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. will develop in the future.
(Cambridge Dictionary)
The professor was visionary:
with the ability to imagine how a country, society, industry, etc. will develop in the future.
(Cambridge Dictionary)
answered yesterday
user240918
22.1k859139
22.1k859139
I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
3 hours ago
add a comment |
I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
3 hours ago
I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
3 hours ago
I'm not sure but I personally distinguish between "being able to envision a future" and "seeing the big picture [of a situation]", i.e. being able to spot patterns, being able to see things from a different perspective. I would for example say that Elon Musk is a visionary, but not far-sighted in that other sense. Is there such a distinction? To me, visionary is too close to dreamer/romancer.
– marts
3 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
In British English the word is far-sighted.
far-sighted adjective UK /ˌfɑːˈsaɪ.tɪd/ US /ˌfɑːrˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd/
far-sighted adjective (WISE)
uk having good judgment about what will
be needed in the future and making wise decisions based on this:
Buying those shares was a very far-sighted move - they must be worth
ten times their original value now.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/far-sighted
However I believe that farsighted in American English may have a different meaning.
EDIT
Based on discussion in the comments below and thanks to the link provided by Chappo, I quote Merriam-Webster. However I also note that Timbo would assume hyperopia by default. I defer to native speakers of AmE in their knowledge of their own version of English.
farsighted adjective far·sight·ed | ˈfär-ˌsī-təd Definition of
farsighted 1a : seeing or able to see to a great distance b : having
or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS 2 : affected with
hyperopia
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farsighted
1
Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo2: affected with hyperopia
. I guess this different meaning was meant.
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
1
@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
20 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
7
down vote
In British English the word is far-sighted.
far-sighted adjective UK /ˌfɑːˈsaɪ.tɪd/ US /ˌfɑːrˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd/
far-sighted adjective (WISE)
uk having good judgment about what will
be needed in the future and making wise decisions based on this:
Buying those shares was a very far-sighted move - they must be worth
ten times their original value now.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/far-sighted
However I believe that farsighted in American English may have a different meaning.
EDIT
Based on discussion in the comments below and thanks to the link provided by Chappo, I quote Merriam-Webster. However I also note that Timbo would assume hyperopia by default. I defer to native speakers of AmE in their knowledge of their own version of English.
farsighted adjective far·sight·ed | ˈfär-ˌsī-təd Definition of
farsighted 1a : seeing or able to see to a great distance b : having
or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS 2 : affected with
hyperopia
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farsighted
1
Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo2: affected with hyperopia
. I guess this different meaning was meant.
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
1
@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
20 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
In British English the word is far-sighted.
far-sighted adjective UK /ˌfɑːˈsaɪ.tɪd/ US /ˌfɑːrˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd/
far-sighted adjective (WISE)
uk having good judgment about what will
be needed in the future and making wise decisions based on this:
Buying those shares was a very far-sighted move - they must be worth
ten times their original value now.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/far-sighted
However I believe that farsighted in American English may have a different meaning.
EDIT
Based on discussion in the comments below and thanks to the link provided by Chappo, I quote Merriam-Webster. However I also note that Timbo would assume hyperopia by default. I defer to native speakers of AmE in their knowledge of their own version of English.
farsighted adjective far·sight·ed | ˈfär-ˌsī-təd Definition of
farsighted 1a : seeing or able to see to a great distance b : having
or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS 2 : affected with
hyperopia
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farsighted
In British English the word is far-sighted.
far-sighted adjective UK /ˌfɑːˈsaɪ.tɪd/ US /ˌfɑːrˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd/
far-sighted adjective (WISE)
uk having good judgment about what will
be needed in the future and making wise decisions based on this:
Buying those shares was a very far-sighted move - they must be worth
ten times their original value now.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/far-sighted
However I believe that farsighted in American English may have a different meaning.
EDIT
Based on discussion in the comments below and thanks to the link provided by Chappo, I quote Merriam-Webster. However I also note that Timbo would assume hyperopia by default. I defer to native speakers of AmE in their knowledge of their own version of English.
farsighted adjective far·sight·ed | ˈfär-ˌsī-təd Definition of
farsighted 1a : seeing or able to see to a great distance b : having
or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS 2 : affected with
hyperopia
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/farsighted
edited 12 hours ago
answered 23 hours ago
chasly from UK
21.5k12763
21.5k12763
1
Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo2: affected with hyperopia
. I guess this different meaning was meant.
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
1
@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
20 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
1
Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo2: affected with hyperopia
. I guess this different meaning was meant.
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
1
@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
20 hours ago
1
1
Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
23 hours ago
Why do you believe AmE is different? Did you check Merriam-Webster? The only difference is MW doesn't hyphenate it. You might like to edit your answer re AmE, as on this point it's currently misleading for future readers. Happy to upvote if edited, as "farsighted" was the first word that I thought of too :-)
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo
2: affected with hyperopia
. I guess this different meaning was meant.– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
@Chappo
2: affected with hyperopia
. I guess this different meaning was meant.– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
1
1
@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@OleksandrKaraberov not hyperopic; any native English speaker will instinctively choose the intended meaning. English abounds in metaphoric usages. If he was luminary, we don't assume he's "a body that gives light". If he was gifted, it wouldn't mean he'd been donated. In fact, the play on double meanings is an intrinsic element of much of our verbal humour.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
@Chappo Thanks for a nice insight. Valid point. Not being a native speaker I miss sometimes this subtle ability to first recognise a metaphorical rather than literal meaning. But as for your other examples I'm not that slow-witted :)
– Oleksandr Karaberov
23 hours ago
@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
20 hours ago
@Chappo Native AmE speaker here and I would absolutely assume hyperopia or at least sense 1a from MW, a non-metaphorical reference to the sense of sight. Without further context, I would assume an implication that the students were all nearsighted or blind.
– Timbo
20 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
up vote
5
down vote
You can say that the professor was ‘luminary’ - a shining light that inspired or guided others, or illuminated their path.
Definition: ‘a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.
"one of the luminaries of child psychiatry"
synonyms: leading light, guiding light, inspiration, role model, hero, heroine, leader, expert, master; More’
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
You can say that the professor was ‘luminary’ - a shining light that inspired or guided others, or illuminated their path.
Definition: ‘a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.
"one of the luminaries of child psychiatry"
synonyms: leading light, guiding light, inspiration, role model, hero, heroine, leader, expert, master; More’
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
You can say that the professor was ‘luminary’ - a shining light that inspired or guided others, or illuminated their path.
Definition: ‘a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.
"one of the luminaries of child psychiatry"
synonyms: leading light, guiding light, inspiration, role model, hero, heroine, leader, expert, master; More’
You can say that the professor was ‘luminary’ - a shining light that inspired or guided others, or illuminated their path.
Definition: ‘a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.
"one of the luminaries of child psychiatry"
synonyms: leading light, guiding light, inspiration, role model, hero, heroine, leader, expert, master; More’
answered 23 hours ago
Jelila
2,5611214
2,5611214
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4
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You can say the professor was far-seeing:
Having shrewd judgement and an ability to predict and plan for future eventualities.
This word is quite simple and yet has a connotation of acumen and shrewdness.
New contributor
4
Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
23 hours ago
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up vote
4
down vote
You can say the professor was far-seeing:
Having shrewd judgement and an ability to predict and plan for future eventualities.
This word is quite simple and yet has a connotation of acumen and shrewdness.
New contributor
4
Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
23 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
You can say the professor was far-seeing:
Having shrewd judgement and an ability to predict and plan for future eventualities.
This word is quite simple and yet has a connotation of acumen and shrewdness.
New contributor
You can say the professor was far-seeing:
Having shrewd judgement and an ability to predict and plan for future eventualities.
This word is quite simple and yet has a connotation of acumen and shrewdness.
New contributor
New contributor
answered yesterday
Oleksandr Karaberov
1796
1796
New contributor
New contributor
4
Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
23 hours ago
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4
Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
23 hours ago
4
4
Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
23 hours ago
Far-sighted sounds better to me.
– Lawrence
23 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
I went with:
Sage:
Wise, especially as a result of great experience.
Which can be used as noun or adjective.
"The professor was sage, and used that attribute to guide his students towards the right direction."
Alternatively:
"The professor was a sage, and guided his students in the right direction."
add a comment |
up vote
3
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I went with:
Sage:
Wise, especially as a result of great experience.
Which can be used as noun or adjective.
"The professor was sage, and used that attribute to guide his students towards the right direction."
Alternatively:
"The professor was a sage, and guided his students in the right direction."
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I went with:
Sage:
Wise, especially as a result of great experience.
Which can be used as noun or adjective.
"The professor was sage, and used that attribute to guide his students towards the right direction."
Alternatively:
"The professor was a sage, and guided his students in the right direction."
I went with:
Sage:
Wise, especially as a result of great experience.
Which can be used as noun or adjective.
"The professor was sage, and used that attribute to guide his students towards the right direction."
Alternatively:
"The professor was a sage, and guided his students in the right direction."
answered 22 hours ago
Lamar Latrell
1,8442822
1,8442822
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0
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Lofty, or Sublime. Expansive is close, with a strongly benevolent meaning. Something along those lines, lot's on this page here... --> https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/thesaurus/lofty
New contributor
1
I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
18 hours ago
He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
15 hours ago
Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
14 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
Lofty, or Sublime. Expansive is close, with a strongly benevolent meaning. Something along those lines, lot's on this page here... --> https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/thesaurus/lofty
New contributor
1
I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
18 hours ago
He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
15 hours ago
Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
14 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Lofty, or Sublime. Expansive is close, with a strongly benevolent meaning. Something along those lines, lot's on this page here... --> https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/thesaurus/lofty
New contributor
Lofty, or Sublime. Expansive is close, with a strongly benevolent meaning. Something along those lines, lot's on this page here... --> https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/thesaurus/lofty
New contributor
New contributor
answered 20 hours ago
Þorn
91
91
New contributor
New contributor
1
I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
18 hours ago
He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
15 hours ago
Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
14 hours ago
add a comment |
1
I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
18 hours ago
He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
15 hours ago
Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
14 hours ago
1
1
I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
18 hours ago
I don't think a professor would like to be called "lofty" as this suggests arrogance, and "sublime" is an excessive compliment and inappropriate to the context here.
– Chappo
18 hours ago
He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
15 hours ago
He didn't ask what compliment would be well accepted by a professor, that's a different stackexchange.
– Þorn
15 hours ago
Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
14 hours ago
Quite right. Nonetheless "lofty" is a poor answer, and "sublime" is simply wrong for "a wise person". That's just my opinion, of course, but there's a possibility others might agree with me. You might therefore consider editing your answer to provide evidence to support why you think each of your two words is correct - e.g. quoting from a dictionary. For further guidance, see How to Answer.
– Chappo
14 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
To approximate the ability to see the big picture in a single word, we can perhaps use clear-sighted.
The professor was clear-sighted and used that to guide his
students towards the right direction.
ODO:
clear-sighted ADJECTIVE
Thinking clearly and sensibly; perspicacious and discerning.
‘a clear-sighted sense of what is possible and appropriate’
‘What is needed is a clear-sighted reappraisal of where we stand,
before we can plot a path forwards.’
perspicacious ADJECTIVE
Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.
‘If only our parents could have been perspicacious enough to see our
talent and force us into showbiz.’
discerning ADJECTIVE
Having or showing good judgement.
‘Physicians are by inclination and training discerning men, wise in
human relations and keen in judgement.’
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
To approximate the ability to see the big picture in a single word, we can perhaps use clear-sighted.
The professor was clear-sighted and used that to guide his
students towards the right direction.
ODO:
clear-sighted ADJECTIVE
Thinking clearly and sensibly; perspicacious and discerning.
‘a clear-sighted sense of what is possible and appropriate’
‘What is needed is a clear-sighted reappraisal of where we stand,
before we can plot a path forwards.’
perspicacious ADJECTIVE
Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.
‘If only our parents could have been perspicacious enough to see our
talent and force us into showbiz.’
discerning ADJECTIVE
Having or showing good judgement.
‘Physicians are by inclination and training discerning men, wise in
human relations and keen in judgement.’
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
To approximate the ability to see the big picture in a single word, we can perhaps use clear-sighted.
The professor was clear-sighted and used that to guide his
students towards the right direction.
ODO:
clear-sighted ADJECTIVE
Thinking clearly and sensibly; perspicacious and discerning.
‘a clear-sighted sense of what is possible and appropriate’
‘What is needed is a clear-sighted reappraisal of where we stand,
before we can plot a path forwards.’
perspicacious ADJECTIVE
Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.
‘If only our parents could have been perspicacious enough to see our
talent and force us into showbiz.’
discerning ADJECTIVE
Having or showing good judgement.
‘Physicians are by inclination and training discerning men, wise in
human relations and keen in judgement.’
To approximate the ability to see the big picture in a single word, we can perhaps use clear-sighted.
The professor was clear-sighted and used that to guide his
students towards the right direction.
ODO:
clear-sighted ADJECTIVE
Thinking clearly and sensibly; perspicacious and discerning.
‘a clear-sighted sense of what is possible and appropriate’
‘What is needed is a clear-sighted reappraisal of where we stand,
before we can plot a path forwards.’
perspicacious ADJECTIVE
Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.
‘If only our parents could have been perspicacious enough to see our
talent and force us into showbiz.’
discerning ADJECTIVE
Having or showing good judgement.
‘Physicians are by inclination and training discerning men, wise in
human relations and keen in judgement.’
answered 5 hours ago
alwayslearning
24k53290
24k53290
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0
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"See the big picture" is itself a little ambiguous.
If you're thinking of seeing how all the parts fit together at a given point in time, consider astute, perceptive, observant, or insightful:
astute (adj.) having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly
perceptive (adj.) characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight
observant (adj.) Keep, perceptive
insightful (adj.) exhibiting or characterized by the power or act of seeing into a situation
However, the student-teacher example makes me thing that you may be looking for an adjective that means the teacher can see how a situation may play out over time.
In that case, consider perspicacious, far-sighted, or even plain-old wise:
perspicacious (adj.) of acute mental vision or discernment
far-sighted (adj.) having or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS
wise (adj.) characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.
(All definitions are from Merriam-Webster online: https://www.merriam-webster.com/)
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
"See the big picture" is itself a little ambiguous.
If you're thinking of seeing how all the parts fit together at a given point in time, consider astute, perceptive, observant, or insightful:
astute (adj.) having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly
perceptive (adj.) characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight
observant (adj.) Keep, perceptive
insightful (adj.) exhibiting or characterized by the power or act of seeing into a situation
However, the student-teacher example makes me thing that you may be looking for an adjective that means the teacher can see how a situation may play out over time.
In that case, consider perspicacious, far-sighted, or even plain-old wise:
perspicacious (adj.) of acute mental vision or discernment
far-sighted (adj.) having or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS
wise (adj.) characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.
(All definitions are from Merriam-Webster online: https://www.merriam-webster.com/)
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
"See the big picture" is itself a little ambiguous.
If you're thinking of seeing how all the parts fit together at a given point in time, consider astute, perceptive, observant, or insightful:
astute (adj.) having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly
perceptive (adj.) characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight
observant (adj.) Keep, perceptive
insightful (adj.) exhibiting or characterized by the power or act of seeing into a situation
However, the student-teacher example makes me thing that you may be looking for an adjective that means the teacher can see how a situation may play out over time.
In that case, consider perspicacious, far-sighted, or even plain-old wise:
perspicacious (adj.) of acute mental vision or discernment
far-sighted (adj.) having or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS
wise (adj.) characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.
(All definitions are from Merriam-Webster online: https://www.merriam-webster.com/)
"See the big picture" is itself a little ambiguous.
If you're thinking of seeing how all the parts fit together at a given point in time, consider astute, perceptive, observant, or insightful:
astute (adj.) having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly
perceptive (adj.) characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight
observant (adj.) Keep, perceptive
insightful (adj.) exhibiting or characterized by the power or act of seeing into a situation
However, the student-teacher example makes me thing that you may be looking for an adjective that means the teacher can see how a situation may play out over time.
In that case, consider perspicacious, far-sighted, or even plain-old wise:
perspicacious (adj.) of acute mental vision or discernment
far-sighted (adj.) having or showing foresight or good judgment : SAGACIOUS
wise (adj.) characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment.
(All definitions are from Merriam-Webster online: https://www.merriam-webster.com/)
answered 4 hours ago
Randall Stewart
1,399310
1,399310
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add a comment |
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2
Nothing wrong with "the professor could see the big picture". Also, the "towards" really wants to be an "in".
– RegDwigнt♦
yesterday
1
The words "and used that" somewhat complicate the provision of an answer - some solutions sound a bit awkward with this construction.
– Chappo
23 hours ago
"Wise" is a very good word.
– Dan
10 hours ago
really, in "US Business talk" the exact phrased used is "a big picture person".
– Fattie
8 hours ago
Sagacious would seem the obvious choice.
– Phil Sweet
2 hours ago